Govt Publishes First Set of Rules Under Telecommunications Act, 2023 to Boost Digital Bharat Mission

The Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 outline the powers and responsibilities of the administrator tasked with overseeing the implementation of the DBN.

The Government of India has officially published the first set of rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, known as the Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024. These rules were notified by the Ministry of Communication’s Department of Telecommunications on August 20, 2024, following a 30-day public consultation period that began with the draft publication on July 4, 2024.

A key feature of these new rules is the renaming of the Universal Service Obligation Fund, originally established under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). This change, enacted under Section 24(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, reflects the evolving technological landscape and the need for a more comprehensive approach to support the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Union Minister of Communications Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, in a statement on social media platform X, highlighted the new rules as a testament to the government's commitment to ensuring equal access to telecom services across India, aligning with the country’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

The Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 outline the powers and responsibilities of the administrator tasked with overseeing the implementation of the DBN. These rules also establish criteria for launching schemes and projects under the DBN and detail the selection process for project implementers.

Under the new guidelines, funds from the DBN will be allocated to projects aimed at enhancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas. This includes targeting underserved groups within society, such as women, persons with disabilities, and economically and socially weaker sections.

Projects eligible for funding must meet one or more of the criteria specified in the rules. These include improving access to mobile and broadband services, enhancing telecom security, and introducing next-generation telecommunication technologies in underserved areas. The rules also emphasize promoting innovation, research, and development, with a focus on indigenous technology and intellectual property, and encouraging the development and commercialization of sustainable and green technologies within the telecommunications sector.

Additionally, the rules stipulate that any implementer receiving funding from the DBN for the establishment, operation, maintenance, or expansion of a telecommunication network must ensure that the network and services are provided on an open and non-discriminatory basis.

This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering a self-reliant telecommunications ecosystem and ensuring that digital connectivity reaches every corner of the country.